Pichhu Banjara built it during the reign of Maharaja Lakha in 1362. It is the oldest lake of Udaipur. It is 3 miles long 2 miles wide and 30 feet deep. Two palaces are situated in the middle of lake on two islands, which are known as Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir.

Pichola lake, bonded by hillocks, bathing ghats, temples and palaces is on the western side of the city of Udaipur and palaces are situated aside it towards south. It also encloses in it the famous Lake Palace. About three Km. away from the city station this lake is three miles long and 1.5 mile wide.

The dam of the lake was original built by a Banjara in the reign of Maharana Lakha in fifteenth century and since it was wihtin the limits of the village Picholia, it came to be known as Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh strengthened the dam by making it of solid masonry and also enlarged the spread of the lake when he founded Udaipur. The dam was known as Badi Pal. Later Maharanas also from time to time repaired and strengthened the dam further. On the south east bank of the lake near Dudh Talai pond a fascinating sunset is worth watching for the tourists.

This scenic lake , surrounded by Palaces, Temples, Ghats and Hills, is the largest in Udaipur & derives its name from Picholi village, flooded long ago so as to enlarge the lake .Actually it consists offour diferrent lakes viz. the original Pichola, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar and Doodh Talaai. Rising from the lake are the two island Palaces of Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir . Gangaur Ghat lies on the Bank of Lake Pichola and is famous for the Bird's eye view of The City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Bagore ki Haveli and a complete look of old City Havelis and Buildings. Lake Pichola is the most known Area of interest among the Foreign Tourists. Since the old City had its origin from the Bank of Pichola, the area surrounding Lake could present you all the stuff required to know Mewar better. The Tourists are most inclined towards staying in the Hotels and Guest Houses situated on the Bank of Lake Pichola because the view from the Terraces of these Places are simply marvelous. It may be recalled that Pichola lake was constructed by a ‘Banjara’ during the reign of Maharana Lakha Sunset in the evening and the sight of the ‘Whale Hill’(closing resembling the ‘Whale’ in appearance) in the southeast of the lake also deserve a mention for tourists.

Lake Palace (Jag Niwas): Encircled by water of Pichola all around, it is amidst the lake, about 800 ft. away from the banks, on a four acre spread and wholly built of marble and granite. Originally built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1746, it has undergone much improvements and stands as most fascinating and alluring "lake palace Hotel" today. Walls represent mosaics and ancient paintings and a luxury equip of beautiful fountains, bath reservoirs, furnitures, columns etc. win a mellow adore of visitors.